Shouts and cheers filled the University of Utah’s Jon M. Huntsman Center on Wednesday as 377 students received high school diplomas from the Horizonte Instruction and Training Center.
Many of the students had overcome difficult circumstances to complete their education, and they beamed as they were recognized for their accomplishments and handed their diplomas.
“This is what opening a new door looks like,” said student speaker Lesly Hernandez. She gave a special thank you to immigrant parents in the audience.
Horizonte is an alternative high school in the Salt Lake City School District which works with community organizations, including Catholic Community Services’ refugee resettlement program and the Odyssey House, to reach students from diverse backgrounds.